The Wilkinsons, Canadian Country Music Super Stars

The Wilkinsons? Who are they? Unless you're a country music fan, specifically a Canadian country music fan, it's likely you've not heard of this trio, even though their debut album was released in 1998. Although the family had American success with their debut single, "26 Cents", they seemingly dropped off the radar after that.

Steve and his children, Amanda and Tyler, have kept themselves busy even if American success has eluded them. In 2006 they appeared in a "reality" show on CMT, the basis of which was them moving back to Ontario, Canada after years in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to starring Steve, Amanda, and Tyler, mom Chris and little sister Kiaya were added to the mix for the show, which aired a second season in 2007. Moving home also inspired their newest CD, aptly titled Home.

Home has fourteen songs, eleven of which were co-written by Steve. Steve also co-produced the album. Although Steve is the main songwriter, Amanda and Tyler also co-wrote the title track. Amanda is the main vocalist. She is the lead singer on ten of the songs, and shares lead on another.

The standout track on Home is actually a remake. "Fast Car" was originally sung by Tracy Chapman on her debut disc which came out in 1988. The Wilkinsons added a banjo to make the song "country" and Amanda's vocals shine. Another song on which Amanda excels is "I Want To Fall Asleep in Your Arms". It's a beautiful ballad that talks about the joy and simplicity of falling asleep beside a loved one.

Tyler's only lead on the album is "Dying to Start Living", and it's not as grim as it may sound. It's an upbeat song about getting into the world again after a break up. Who doesn't want to show an ex-girlfriend or boyfriend that life is fine without them? Although Tyler sings of being in misery at first, by the middle of the song there's already someone new for the ex to be jealous of.

Steve is the lead on two songs, "Six Pack" and "Big Pockets". The former is a playful song in which alcohol is professed to make everything perfect, which in itself doesn't make an excellent song, but the strong wordplay does. The latter is more serious, speaking of some of life's big moments and great accomplishments, including getting married and the birth of a child.

Past Wilkinsons albums include Nothing But Love, Here and Now, Shine, and Highway. By adding Home to their repertoire, The Wilkinsons have a past to be proud of, no matter where they call home!